Laban Pursues Jacob

Laban Pursues Jacob

Bible Study Lessons at Genesis 31:22-55 

Laban Pursues Jacob
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The Old Testament is full of “action/adventure” stories like this one where Jacob flees for his life with Laban in hot pursuit. In this story it’s not Tom Cruise who comes to the rescue – but God.

When Laban catches up with him, Jacob finally lets out his feelings about the way he has been treated.

He retorted that he had done everything expected of him – and more.

You’ll also find a lesson for you and me in this Bible study from Genesis.

Building Character in the Face of Unfairness – Laban Pursues Jacob

When it was told Laban on the third day that Jacob had fled, then he took his kinsmen with him and pursued him a distance of seven days’ journey, and he overtook him in the hill country of Gilead.

God came to Laban the Aramean in a dream of the night and said to him, “Be careful that you do not speak to Jacob either good or bad.” – Genesis 31:22-24 NASB

Doing More Than Expected

In this Scripture reading the verses, although long, mostly point to the fact that Jacob did everything Laban asked of him.

He worked seven years for Leah and seven more to marry Rachel (See Jacob marries Rachel & Leah) – even though Labon deceived him from the very beginning.

The next six years, Jacob spent working to acquire the flock and God blessed him.

Labon Breaks the Agreement

Notice Labon says “my daughters” and “my flocks”, disregarding the deal he had with Jacob and the labor provided.

Laban had treated Jacob almost as a slave, cutting his wages ten times during that period of time.

Expectations

In my humble opinion, I would have to say Jacob did his part and more, don’t you think?

His diligence and hard work paid off in the end. Jacob became wealthy in riches but also in character from this experience.

Spiritual and Physical Benefits

When we do more than is expected of us, we please God. He always expects our best whether it is in our work, our relationship with others, or our relationship with Him.

Although the relationship we have with God is most important, it’s not the only benefit for doing more than is expected.

Respect – Reputation – Confidence

[easyazon_image align=”left” height=”160″ identifier=”149640212X” locale=”US” src=”https://makingchristknown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/41H2vfCr40L.SL160.jpg” tag=”bobpardphot-20″ width=”107″]We also gain respect, reputation and confidence from other people who come in contact with us. We get more experience by doing more and we gain spiritual maturity.

Christ did more than was expected of God when He went to the cross.

Can you think of any reason why we shouldn’t do more than is expected in everything we do?

Love in Christ

– Bob

If you would like to know how to walk with Christ, please take a moment to look at this passage from the Book of John to learn more.

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